Outreach Services : Advocacy, assistance & financial literacy

Advocacy & Assistance

Outreach Services staff at Semcac’s seven county contact centers offer a personal connection for households struggling with financial hardships to access the agency's programs and services and other community resources. The Outreach Services staff advocates for clients, provides information and referrals, assists with completing applications for services, and administers crisis assistance as funding is available.

Crisis assistance is available at some county contact centers only as funding permits. This assistance may help with motel vouchers, food emergencies, transportation, or other emergent needs that help sustain or create improved self-reliance of an individual or family. Clients receiving crisis assistance also work with staff to establish a plan for stability.

Financial Literacy ~ Dollars & Sense Class

Several Outreach Services staff offer the Dollars & Sense Class. This interactive and fun class alternates between sites in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Participants of all ages have shared that they really learn a lot from the class and will apply what they've learned to their daily life. The free, three-hour class is based on the Four Cornerstones of Financial Literacy curriculum and covers budgets, savings and spending, credit repair, credit reports, debt reduction, and identity theft. All adults staying in Semcac’s Freeborn County Homeless Shelter are required to attend a Dollars & Sense Class, and those receiving housing assistance from Semcac must attend a class as part of their case management. Clients of Semcac’s other programs are encouraged to attend to learn more about achieving financial stability. All classes are open to the public but fill quickly so call today to reserve your seat. The 2010 schedule is posted here:

Contact information for the above classes:

• Owatonna: Michele Lammi at 507-451-7134
• Austin: Jenni Silvis at 507-433-5889
• Albert Lea: Vicky Helland at 507-373-1329